Lower School Curriculum
Sanskrit

The children are introduced to the study of a classical language, Sanskrit, in Kindergarten. Sanskrit is one of the most ancient languages — if not the most ancient — of the family of Indo-European languages, which includes classical Greek and Latin as well as almost all modern European languages. It is an astonishingly ordered and beautiful language, and its study is a brilliant training for the mind, affording unmatchable insight into the very nature of language itself. Its grammar is unrivalled in its comprehensiveness and refinement. Its sounds are pure and have remained unchanged over the ages.  

The structure of the Sanskrit alphabet, which children are introduced to in Kindergarten, is scientifically ordered in its differentiation of mouth positions. The sounds of the alphabet are comprehensive in their range, and considerably broaden the linguistic skills of the children at an early stage. Practice at the beginning is oral, with the Sanskrit script being introduced normally in the first grade. Sanskrit grammar is introduced in the second grade. In many cases, the study of Sanskrit refines the student’s speech and helps in the understanding of the grammatical system of English. 

Sanskrit instruction takes place once a week for Kindergarteners and starting in First Grade, twice a week. A Sanskrit specialist see students who join the class at a later stage (i.e. after the ages of six or seven) or for remedial purposes, individually or in small groups, within the classroom setting or in the language resource classroom. The Sanskrit Program is tailored to the specific needs of the student and ensures that students catch up with the rest of the class by being given special attention. 

Sanskrit has one of the richest and most extensive literatures of all known languages, such as the The Ramayana and The Mahabharata. It introduces children to vast epics, profound scripture, subtle philosophy, voluminous mythology, exquisite poetry and much else. The children often begin the morning reciting Sanskrit passages by heart followed by English translation. Passages are explained simply so that they mean something to the students in terms of their conduct in life.  

Our school-wide goals are: 

• To develop an ability to access Sanskrit texts.
• To come to an appreciation of the beautiful structure and sound of this fine classical language.
• To gain some familiarity with the range and splendor of the literature of Sanskrit.
• To gain an appreciation of the ancient and noble Vedic society and the vision underlying it. 

The teaching of Sanskrit at Philosophy Day School is intended to be interdisciplinary. In particular, it enriches and aids the study of English. A good standard of English is expected in written work and a high standard of diction is encouraged when reciting translations of Sanskrit verses. Furthermore, the design of the textbooks also involves an artistic element, when pupils are asked to illustrate their answers. The practice of Sanskrit calligraphy is an art in itself. The study of Sanskrit enhances and provides an excellent grounding for any other language the child studies later on.